‘American Idol’: Sudden Death

It looked like the finals, it sounded like the finals, they wanted you to think the stakes were as high as the finals, but really, tonight’s ‘American Idol’ solo week episode was just a regular show decorated with an audience in Vegas and some new rules. And if you had to rewind to figure out it how it was going to work exactly, you weren’t alone, because they changed things up. Sudden death, brutal cuts, one song and the audience usually doesn’t join until later in the season.

The girls took the stage: ten sang, five stayed, one shot. That’s the way it’s going to go for the next couple of weeks too, until they have whittled things down ten singers ready to work for America’s votes. Tonight’s tiebreaker vote between the four judges—Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, and Nicki Minaj—was Jimmy Iovine.

Country contestant Jenny Beth Willis was first up. Keith loved her “effortless confidence.” Nicki whined that Jenny Beth didn’t come alive until the end, that she didn’t show enough excitement. Randy thought it was “jerky” and “not in sync with the band.” Mariah suggested Jenny Beth be more “dynamic,” but she liked the “richness” of her voice.

Early favorite Tenna Torres maintained her status with “Soulmate.” Nicki was confusing in her assessment of Tenna, though. Nicki weirdly said her fans were angered when she liked Tenna’s voice during auditions and said that maybe they’d get it after this performance. Okay…Then, Nicki told Tenna to lose the hair, that the other hair was younger looking. Everybody else pretty much pegged Tenna as a keeper to the end.

Five foot tall Alaska resident Adriana Latonio warmed up the room. Keith’s comments might have given insight into Adriana’s future. “Now the night has started,” he said. Nicki spoke in the British voice, which she usually saves for blow-offs, but it turned out she loved Adriana’s fearlessness. “This girl is born to do it,” said Randy, explaining where the confidence must come from. “I loved it, I loved it. Love, love. Loved it,” he said. “That’s Aretha Franklin…I was really proud of you,” said Mariah. “A-plus.”

Brandy Hotard sang an old Travis Tritt song, which in theory Keith liked, but thought there were inconsistencies in her performance. “You’re not coming out here to smile at the judges…that was a pageant delivery,” said Nicki a little more harshly, but expressing the same sentiment as Keith. Randy, ditto. Mariah wasn’t as bothered, but said, “I have seen more emotionally connected.”

Shubha Vedula did a risky staccato mash-up Gaga ‘Born This Way’ venture. Keith said to the audience, “You loved that didn’t you?” then went on to snide that it’s all about “America voting,” a dig so far out of character for him. Nicki told the crowd to prepare to boo again and went on to say it was a disjointed performance. Randy agreed but said the potential was great despite the oddness of this showing. Mariah and Randy both thought Shubha should have stayed at the piano, where she started out the song. Mariah told her to find some balance between crowd-pleasing and doing a song.

Kamaria Ousley was unanimously disliked by the judges. “There’s nothing redeemable I can say about it.” Nicki didn’t like the new elements to the voice that were added tonight and Keith didn’t feel the song choice worked. “You were singing ‘You don’t know a thing about me’ and no, I don’t,” he said. Mariah didn’t either. But Nicki and Mariah agreed the outfit was pretty fabulous.

We know who Keith loves the most for sure tonight if we didn’t before. Keith and Nicki stood to clap for Kree Harrison. Keith was moved by her authenticity and couldn’t slow down with all of the accolades. Nicki said the rest of the contestants should be nervous. “You are so sexy when you sing,” she said. “Here is another natural born singer…she connects with the song…she doesn’t have to wear the outfit…it was effortless,” said Randy. Mariah loved how organic the showing was. “You sang the hell out of that song.”

If there has been a standout so far, it’s been Angela Miller, and tonight only bolstered her credibility. She stepped out from behind the piano tonight, and that worked too. But it was last week’s song that they still brought up during her review. Keith rattled off her talents and told her she can “do a lot with a little.” He said he wished he had more time to rattle off more compliments, but that he felt like he’d likely have time to tell her more. Nicki told her not to try too hard because she’s already a top contender based on last week’s original showing. Randy said America is witnessing the making of a superstar. Mariah said that the world needs to hear last week’s song.

Keith had the line of the night, telling Isabelle (who lost substantial weight) “To all the boys who didn’t ask you out, let that performance be the key to the side of their car.” Nicki loved Isabelle’s voice, but Randy thought the arrangement was a little “pageanty” for which, he got boos from the audience and a jolt from Nicki. Mariah agreed and said it was all about the vocals.

Amber Holcomb stepped up and just like in the finalists’ shows they really saved the big treat for the end. All but Nicki stood to clap once Amber finished. Keith said, “That is such great, technically, breath control, making it look so easy.” Nicki said, “That vocal was A-plus, plus, plus,” but was worried her inner shine might not get through the cameras as strongly as it had in the room. Randy told her to stop doubting herself and said that she “made the most important run the best.” He called it a diamond. Mariah said she wanted to “smack” Amber, but in a good way.

Then came the tears. Jimmy needed not chime in because the judges were unanimous in their decisions, which were oddly given from folding chairs that came up from the floor, desk and Coke gone.

Going home: Jenny Beth, Brandy, Isabelle, Kamaria, and Shubha.

Going on to the next round: Tenna, Kree, Angela, Amber, and Adriana.

Tomorrow the guys give it a whirl.

Do you agree with the judges’ picks? Follow Stephanie Krikorian on Twitter @StephieKrik.

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